Short memories can kill a fantasy player’s value. Such is the case with Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. After putting together two of the most impressive single seasons in recent memory, Larry Johnson disappointed fans and fantasy football pundits alike in 2007 when he managed just 557 rushing yards in eight starts before an injury ended his season. Or put it out of its misery. Depends on your viewpoint, really.

Johnson, who was projected to be a top three back by virtually everyone (the only real debate was whether he’d be 2 or 3), got off to a slow start, to say the least. In his first two starts he carried the ball just 26 times for 98 yards, which prompted frustrated fantasy owners to question Herm Edwards’ plan. Then in week three L.J. was given 24 carries, which he turned into 42 yards.

Not exactly the start everyone projected.

The funny thing is, that’s all most fans remember about last season. And it’s understandable because it was frustrating, and five weeks late his season was over (as was the season of most of the owners who drafted him second overall). What some forget is that in week four he carried the ball 25 times for 123 yards and added another 25 receiving yards. It also slips minds that in weeks six and seven he gained 119 and 112 yards, scoring once each game, and week nine he scored two touchdowns.

Why does everyone forget that he was a legitimate starting running back in four of his final five appearances? Perhaps because he held out for a bigger contract before the season started. Perhaps because frustration often affects judgment and memory. Perhaps because expectations were too high. Who knows? The point is, Johnson was a disappointment last season, but not to the degree most will attest and not for the reasons most will attest.

The Kansas City Chiefs remain a run-first offense, especially with the team’s new plan to put the offense in the hands of Brodie Croyle for the entire season. And Larry Johnson remains one of the most physically gifted backs in the league, lest we forget his back-to-back 1,750 rushing yard seasons.

There are issues, of course. I’m not sure anyone is sold on the offensive line and some may question his durability. But with Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs have the threat of pass in their game plan. Defenses may still put eight in the box, but Croyle has the weapons to beat it. As for the durability concerns, Herm Edwards has vowed to give Johnson relief by handing the ball off to others, such as Kolby Smith (L.J.’s primary handcuff). Translation: no more 400-carry seasons.

Remember, this is Larry Johnson we’re talking about. There was a reason he was a top three pick last season, and there’s a reason this article is projecting a big season for him this year. The best news: you’ll probably be able to find him near the end of the first round of your fantasy draft, and he definitely has the potential to explode this season. He might not break 2,000 yards from scrimmage, but I like to think he’s capable of 1,700 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns.

Johnson still has the potential to be an elite running back in this league with the Kansas City Chiefs. He offers a lot of potential to fantasy owners willing to draft him, and, in my estimation, he won’t disappoint.

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This post is tagged Fantasy Football, Kansas City Chiefs, Larry Johnson, Profile, Running Backs